The historic Superman water tower that stands near town hall in Metropolis is scheduled for demolition on January 6, 2003, unless someone can change the minds of city officials. Newer water supply technology has made the tower obsolete, the town can no longer afford the annual maintenance costs, and hope to make way for revitalization of downtown.

Superman fans and tourist attraction fans are protesting the decision, which will obliterate one of the most visible local landmarks (if you ignore the giant Superman statue and giant Big John statue).

Though the tower pre-dates even the first Superman comic book, it wasn't painted with the Man of Steel bursting through his "S" symbol until the 1970s, when Metropolis went Superman-crazy and tried to build its own theme park. Though that venture eventually tanked, the water tower and civic connection as Superman's hometown survived.

Super Museum owner Jim Hambrick and Superman collector Jeff German hope the current plan can be delayed or reversed. [12/10/2002]

February 9, 2010